Central State entered Bell Gymnasium on April 7 with a clear objective: secure a road win against conference rival Kentucky State and strengthen its position in SIAC play. What followed was a four-set match that reflected both the Marauders' offensive capability and their ability to respond to in-match adversity.

From the outset, Central State executed at a high level. The Marauders established control in the opening set behind an efficient attack, hitting .273 as a team. Simon Falayi set the tone early, terminating at a high rate, while Jaedyn Harris complemented him with consistent production on the outside. Setter Christopher Demetriou directed the offense effectively, allowing Central State to dictate tempo in a decisive 25–11 first-set victory.

Kentucky State responded in the second set with improved defensive organization and reduced errors. Central State's efficiency dipped to .139, and the Thorobreds capitalized on extended rallies and attack errors to claim the set 25–20. The shift highlighted a recurring theme for the Marauders—maintaining consistency after a dominant start.

The third set proved to be the turning point of the match. Both teams traded points in a tightly contested frame that featured five tie scores and a late push beyond 25. Central State leaned on its primary attackers, with Falayi and Harris continuing to produce in key moments. Despite pressure from Kentucky State's front line, the Marauders showed composure late, closing out the set 28–26.

With momentum regained, Central State delivered a more controlled performance in the fourth set. The team posted its most efficient hitting percentage of the match at .500, minimizing errors while maintaining offensive pressure. Contributions came across the lineup, including steady back-row defense from Benjamin Latham and continued distribution from Demetriou, who finished with 45 assists. The Marauders closed the match with a 25–17 set win.

Statistically, Central State was led by Falayi (14 kills, .522) and Harris (14 kills, .435), while Toulmin Williams IV added 12 kills. As a team, the Marauders recorded 52 kills on a .276 hitting percentage, compared to Kentucky State's .113, securing the four-set victory (25–11, 20–25, 28–26, 25–17).

By the Numbers

• 52 – Total kills for Central State
• .276 – Team hitting percentage
• 49 – Total assists, led by Demetriou's 45
• 14 – Kills each from Simon Falayi and Jaedyn Harris
• .522 – Falayi's hitting percentage (match-high)
• 12 – Kills from Toulmin Williams IV
• 44 – Team digs, led by Benjamin Latham's 15
• 5 – Service aces for Central State
• 6 – Total team blocks
• 28–26 – निर्ण decisive third-set score
• .500 – Hitting percentage in the fourth set
• 10 – Total tie scores in the match
• 61.0 – Total team points generated

Records:

• Central State: 9–12 (5–3 SIAC)
• Kentucky State: 6–21 (0–8 SIAC)